The country associated with Mesopotamia is Iraq. Mesopotamia, meaning "land between the rivers," was an ancient region located in the eastern Mediterranean, encompassing the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It is often referred to as the cradle of civilization as it is recognized as one of the earliest human civilizations to develop complex societies.

Mesopotamian Civilization:
Mesopotamia was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. These civilizations flourished in the region for thousands of years, leaving behind a rich legacy of culture, art, architecture, trade, and governance.

Key Points:
1. Sumerians: The Sumerians were the earliest known civilization in Mesopotamia. They developed a system of writing called cuneiform, which was used to record various aspects of their society, including literature, laws, and economic transactions. The city of Ur was one of the major Sumerian cities.

2. Akkadians: The Akkadians, led by Sargon of Akkad, conquered the Sumerians around 2300 BCE, establishing the Akkadian Empire. They adopted many aspects of Sumerian culture and continued to develop the region's civilization.

3. Babylonians: The Babylonians, led by Hammurabi, emerged as a dominant power in Mesopotamia around 1792 BCE. Hammurabi's Code, a set of laws inscribed on a stele, is one of their notable achievements. The city of Babylon became their capital.

4. Assyrians: The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and efficient administration. They established a vast empire that stretched across Mesopotamia, Egypt, and parts of Anatolia. The city of Nineveh was their capital.

5. Contributions: Mesopotamian civilizations made significant contributions to various fields. They developed advanced irrigation systems, invented the wheel, introduced the concept of city-states, and created the first legal codes. They also excelled in art, architecture, and literature, producing impressive structures like ziggurats and epic poems like the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Conclusion:
Mesopotamia, located in modern-day Iraq, was a cradle of civilization that witnessed the rise and fall of several ancient civilizations. The Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians all contributed to the development of this region, leaving behind a rich legacy that influenced future civilizations. Today, the archaeological remains of Mesopotamian cities and artifacts offer valuable insights into the early stages of human civilization.